Watermelon Nutrition: That Sweet Summer Treat

We love watermelon! It’s refreshing, especially delicious on a hot day, and REALLY good when turned into juice and mixed with a little cucumber, fresh lime juice. It’s also really good for you.

Here are some fast facts on watermelon nutrition you’ll want to know.

Powerful AntioxidantsFresh watermelon is full of disease-fighting lycopene, carotenoids (a powerful antioxidant), fiber, and is an excellent source of vitamin C and a very good source of vitamin A because of its beta carotene. These are all important SuperNutrients that are vital to long-term health. Some experts even believe that watermelons are a richer source of lycopene than tomatoes.

Disease PreventionA number of studies have demonstrated that lycopene may help lower the risk for prostate, breast, digestive tract, cervical, bladder and lung cancers. It is most easily absorbed by our digestive systems when foods containing lycopene are consumed with a little fat, so try to eat watermelon as a dessert after a meal. Or, if you have it as a snack, add a couple of crackers with peanut butter to your fruit.

You can also add chunks of watermelon to any salad or cut up pieces into a salsa on top of fish or in tacos You can even make a tasty watermelon soup, served cold. Check out our Watermelon Salsa and Cold Fruit Soup recipes for two wonderful, delicious options.

How to Choose the Right WatermelonWhen shopping for a watermelon, look for one that is symmetrical and heavy. It should also be creamy yellow (not white) where it sat on the ground. Look to make sure it has a black sugar ring around the stem. It should also vibrate when you thump it with your palm.